Point of View

This poem is told in a close third person point of view using the pronouns “she”, “he”, and “they”. It focuses most closely on Medusa’s point of view, expressing her thoughts and feelings through the third-person voice. The dialogue is reported, rather than conveyed directly, and Perseus is kept at an emotional distance from the reader. This gives the impression that the speaker is having an intimate conversation with a close friend. These elements also make the poem one particularly well suited to being read aloud, as it was in its original publication.

Language and Meaning

The language of this poem is casual and contemporary, juxtaposing its more formal and traditional subject matter. Although the poet reimagines ancient characters who have long been firmly rooted in the collective consciousness, she gives them modern voices and modern problems. All of the word choices are straightforward...